Celebrating Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando

Celebrating Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando

Celebrating Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Orlando

Welcome to the ultimate guide to the best Harry Potter Christmas at Universal Orlando Resort! During the holidays at Universal Orlando, any Potterhead can enjoy the amazing celebration in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley with festive décor, Hogwarts castle lights, Christmas-themed shows, and specialty-themed food!

We hope you find this post helpful! Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time and money on your next Universal Orlando vacation!  If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you need help picking the best time to visit Universal Orlando for your next vacation, be sure to check out our Universal Crowd calendar!

Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Christmas Universal Orlando

Experience the magic as both Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida transform Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley into a winter wonderland! Whether you’re visiting Hogwarts for the holidays or exploring the cobbled streets, you’ll find plenty of festive offerings. This article will guide you through the Christmas offerings at Harry Potter World in Orlando, including mesmerizing decorations, captivating castle shows, holiday-themed food, and special events that bring the magic of the season to life.

How to Celebrate the holidays in Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure

• The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle – The Hogwarts Castle show with special lighting effects and projection mapping! The 8-minute show runs about every 20 minutes, beginning at dusk until the park closes.
• The Frog Choir – At the stage located just outside of the Hogwarts Castle entrance, you’ll find alternating performances of the Frog Choir and the Tri-wizard Spirit Rally. The two shows generally have 6 showings each throughout the day, alternating every hour from 10 am to 7 pm.
• Sip Hot Butterbeer – Butterbeer comes in many forms at Universal Orlando Resort. But the best version of this creamy drink is best served hot during the Christmas season. 
• Take a Stroll Through the Alleyways – If you’re looking for a more secluded stroll, find Honeyduke’s Alley and the alley to the right of the Owl Post.

How to Celebrate the Holidays in Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida

• Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees – At the stage located in the canopied area of Diagon Alley, you’ll find spellbinding performances from Celestina Warbeck! She sings chart-smashing hits (from the Wizarding World) 9 times throughout the day, every hour from 10:30 am until 7:30 pm.
• Sip Hot Butterbeer – You can find butterbeer in 3 spots in Diagon Alley. The Hopping Spot, The Leaky Cauldron, and The Fountain of Fair Fortune. 
• Take a Stroll Through the Alleyways – Diagon Alley is filled with winding pathways that are decorated to the brim with Christmas cheer.

Related Post: Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar

When does the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Decorate for Christmas?

The Universal Orlando holiday season should begin November 24th and run through December 31st, 2024, based on the past two years. However, there is no official date for when Christmas decorations are displayed. We have noticed in years past since Halloween Horror Nights’ last event is November 3rd, and you can begin spotting Harry Potter World Christmas decorations around the second week of November.

How does the Wizarding World of Harry Potter decorate for Christmas?

• Snow-Capped Roof Tops – Although this feature is year-round, it really brings the Christmas feel when it’s lit by the warm glow of the twinkling Christmas lights.
• Garland Wrapped in Christmas Lights – Harry Potter Christmas Lights wrap archways and shop windows, intermixed with beautiful evergreen garland to enhance the overall holiday feel of Hogsmeade. Pay special attention to the different shops! The garland hanging above the shops has little details that match what is sold inside the store.
• Hogwarts Castle Christmas Decor – Christmas decor wouldn’t be complete without cards over the fireplace, a beautiful tree, and Hogwarts house fanfare throughout the garland.

Related Post: When Does Disney World Decorate for Christmas

Specialty-Themed Food During Christmas

The specific menus for 2024 have not been confirmed. But in past years, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Christmas has delighted guests with festive treats. Both Hogsmeade eateries, The Leaky Cauldron and the Three Broomsticks, have historically presented a variety of delectable offerings. Here’s a look at some of our favorites that we’re eagerly hoping will make a return this year!

What Christmas Food is at Harry Potter World?

• Holiday Feast – Located at both The Leaky Cauldron and The Three Broomsticks, this two-course meal serves traditional British holiday fare.
• Butterbeer – This treat is available all year round. But hot butterbeer is only available during the holiday season!
• Soups – The Leaky Cauldron has a spellbinding butternut squash soup to warm you up on chilly Universal Orlando evenings.
• Pudding – This tantalizing Christmas Pudding is drizzled with hot brandy butter and topped with a citrus glaze.

Related Post: Food Lovers Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Wizarding World of Harry Potter Christmas FAQ

What Time Does the Hogwarts Light Show Start?

The Harry Potter Christmas show runs every 20 min from dusk (around 5:30 pm) until the park closes. This dazzling projection show turns Hogwarts Castle into a canvas of holiday magic and lasts about 8 minutes.

When Does Christmas at Hogwarts in Universal Start?

Universal has not officially announced the dates for Christmas at Harry Potter World 2024. However, based on the 2022 and 2023 celebrations, we can estimate that it will begin on November 24th, 2024, and run through December 31st, 2024.

Is Harry Potter World Open on Christmas Day 2024?

Yes! Experience the magic of Christmas 2024 in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at both Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley on Christmas Day. Both Universal Studios Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Orlando are open for full operating days.

What is the Holiday Feast at Harry Potter World?

The Holiday Feast at the Wizarding World is a delightful platter-style meal, ideal for groups of up to four guests. Last year, it was priced at $64.99, with additional portions available for $15.99 per person. The feast begins with a Winter Harvest Salad, dressed in a tangy mustard ale vinaigrette. The main course features succulent oven-roasted turkey breast generously drizzled with gravy. Accompaniments include wild mushroom and sage stuffing, an array of root vegetables, brown-butter and walnut Brussels sprouts, creamy potatoes, traditional English sausages, and a flavorful cranberry sauce.

What is the best time to visit to avoid large crowds during the Christmas season?

For lower crowd levels, consider visiting on weekdays or earlier in December. Our Universal Orlando crowd calendar can provide more detailed guidance.

Is Harry Potter World Open on Christmas Day 2024?

Yes! You are able to enjoy Christmas in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter 2024. Both Hogsmeade at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Orlando on Christmas Day.

Which is Better for Christmas: Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley?

Our answer is Hogsmeade. If visiting one park is the best option for your vacation, we would recommend only visiting Islands of Adventure.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Universal Orlando?

Our Universal Orlando Crowd Calendar is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down the park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices by day, and average temperature.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Universal Orlando Trip?

If you are planning a trip to Universal Orlando be sure to check out our discounted multi-day Universal Orlando tickets and Universal Orlando vacation package deals which include EARLY PARK ADMISSION to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

And to stay up to date on everything going on inside the theme parks be sure to check out our partners at Themeparktoday.com!